Justin Stout
Head of Information Services

Neuse Regional Libraries are very fortunate to serve communities that clearly place a high value on their libraries and the access they provide to many invaluable programs, services, and materials. One of the ways our community supports our Libraries in Lenoir County is through the Kinston-Lenoir County Friends of the Library. Friends of the Library is currently conducting a fundraising drive that will last through the end of 2024, so this is the perfect time to support this wonderful organization.

Friends of the Library is a 501(c)3 organization that provides financial and volunteer support for the libraries in Kinston, La Grange, and Pink Hill. Over the years the Friends have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, primarily used to support library programming. Thanks to the support of the Friends, the library has been able to present top-notch literary and academic lectures, concerts from nationally-renowned musicians like jazz pianist Le’Andra D. McPhatter and funk musician Dick Knight, and rewarding programs for local students like the annual poetry and bookmark contests.

Friends of the Library is also making a tremendous impact on early literacy in our community. In 2023-24, the Library presented 3,493 programs with 68,717 participants. Out of those programs, 2,116 were for children and teens, with 42,078 youth attending. Among these were several literacy-based programs such as Baby and Me, Countdown to Kindergarten, and SenseSational Storytimes to help improve all participants' cognitive function, emotional development, and social and motor skills. The Library’s Digital Resource Rover (DRR) continues to provide quality programs as well as print materials to areas of the community that are in need. Multiple daycares and after school programs receive visits from the DRR, as well as public housing and assisted living facilities. 

Friends of the Library is currently holding its annual Fundraising Marathon which began on October 21 and will run through December 31.  The fundraiser will center on Giving Tuesday on December 3, and donors will be publicly recognized for their generosity. This year’s fundraising goal is $2,000.   Donations can be made in person at the Kinston-Lenoir County Public Library, La Grange Public Library, and Pink Hill Public Library, or by visiting the Library’s website at https://www.neuselibrary.org/kinston-lenoir-county-friends-of-the-library/. Donors will become members of the Friends of the Library at the various sponsorship levels listed on the website. Become a Friend today and help our Library continue to offer amazing programming for all ages at our Libraries! For more information call 252-527-7066, Ext. 120 or visit www.neuselibrary.org.